Van Loaded With Inmates Crashes On Interstate

ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) – An accident along Interstate-30 in Arlington Tuesday morning involved a van loaded with inmates from the Tarrant County Jail.

There were two inmate vans traveling on the highway during morning rush hour, and then traffic backed up near Fielder Road.

“They were slowing for just regular, normal rush hour traffic when this maroon pickup truck was following too closely and rear-ended one of the sheriff’s vans,” Arlington police Sgt. Chris Cook explained.

There were six inmates in the van at the time of the crash — all being transported to Lew Sterrett Justice Center in Dallas. Police say none were seriously injured.

“The Sheriff’s Office has picked up the prisoners in another van and they’re being transported back to the Tarrant County Jail where they’ll receive medical attention if they need it.”

A van, with inmates, crashed on the side of the road conjures up cinematic images of dramatic escapes and potential dangers for residents, but Sgt. Cook said this incident was never out of control.

“The sheriff’s office operates these vans,” he said. “They’re very secure, they have cages inside and also while the inmates are actually being transported they’re actually secured by handcuffs and restraints.”

The driver of the pickup truck was ticketed for following too closely.